The first ever Pacific Islands Chief of Police Gender and Family Harm workshop held in Fiji this week is expected to provide a strategic framework for regional enforcement agencies dealing with gender-based violence.
Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew said finding workable solutions would be one of their strategic approaches to addressing this issue.
“A common narrative is that police are not well trained to handle gender-based violence cases,” he said.
“Some feel that they are further victimised when reporting to police.
“Hard questions that need to be truthfully answered without being too defensive and we also have to be realistic in setting our direction and implementation plans.
“While being over ambitious is commendable, we also need to be aware of our own limitations and challenges.
“We want to be able to offer practical and workable solutions in a holistic manner.”
Mr Chew said the week-long discussions among law enforcement officers from the region should set a pathway for officers and law enforcement organisations.
“We share many commonalities when it comes to the advancement of our Pacific people, and at the heart of all efforts towards building resilient Pacific communities, is safety and security.
“The heart of the Pacific is its people, and as custodians of the law, it is our duty to ensure they are safe and provided a conducive environment for prosperity and growth.
“Women play a central role in both the informal and formal sectors in our Blue Pacific.
“Their contribution is often under-appreciated, and this is where we come in as law enforcement to ensure women and children are provided the safe and conducive environment to engage and participate, without fear or intimidation.”
The regional meet ends this Friday.
